Remakes or reboots, not everyone is a fan of it. Neither am I, especially when it comes to the horror genre. I think it’s just a lack of inspiration and originality in Hollywood. But ever so often there is a remake that actually exceeds it predecessor. Only a short list, but here are the movie remakes that are (without a doubt) better than the original.
Little Shop of Horrors (1986) - Original from 1960
The film is considered a cult classic today. The original is from 1960 and was a low-budget film. Alan Menken and Howard Ashman turned it into a musical and that’s where the 1986 movie version is based on. It’s a dark comedy with catchy songs and fun performances by Rick Moranis and Steve Martin. There is another remake planned for “Little Shop of Horrors”.
The Thing (1982) – Original from 1951
“The Thing From Another World” was one of the best science fiction film of the 50s. But it was Jon Carpenter’s 1982 version that brought us the most scares and it grew out to be one of the most beloved horror classics.
The Fly (1986) – Original from 1958
The first “The Fly” was a science fiction horror film, about a scientist that accidentally turns into a fly. For the time, the late 50s, it was a pretty shocking film. But the remake from 1986, by director David Cronenberg, is so much better. And shocked even more. Jeff Goldblum, who plays the leading role, is transformed into a fly bringing it to us in a pretty graphic an gruesome way.
Scarface (1983) – Original from 1932
I think many people don’t even know that this is a remake, because Al Pacino is the only Tony Montana we can think of. And there is a reason for that, since the 1983 version is the one that impressed us and is a favorite for many movie fans.
Cape Fear (1991) – Original from 1962
One way to get on this list, is to remake a film that wasn’t that great to begin with. The original “Cape Fear” was a pretty bland thriller. Director J. Lee Thompson was replaced by Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro took over the role that Gregory Peck played. There is a constant threat present and De Niro is fantastic in his role as the psychopath Max Cady.
Casino Royale (2006) - Original from 1967
James Bond is a franchise that reinvents itself each time. Since the Pierce Brosnan Bond movies weren’t all well-received, they decided to give 007’s image a boost. And that happened with “Casino Royale”, which is in my opinion even the best Bond movie ever made.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – Original from 1979
Although the original is already pretty great, George Miller remade his own film and topped himself. Everything in this movie works, from the performances by Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy to the extreme action and stunt work. I think this is the most well-received remake ever.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) – Original from 1956
It’s an intriguing remake of the Sci-fi classic from 1956. Alien plant lifeform takes over the body and personalities of people. How this works stays unclear until the end, but the genius of this film is that everyone is suspicious and you don’t know who is human and who’s been taken over. The way the camera moves and sudden close-ups build up the tension. And then there is that shriek….
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